I have no Russian bees, but have heard that they can handle varroa, among other things. And I do mean, Russian bees!
Now, why - is beyond me - are you people talking about those bees that came originally from Russia and have now been propagated mainly in Louisiana, California, Texas (some also in Ontario) - mainly southern states with no particular cold to speak off, much less any snow ?
The bee-pasture in those places is probably - year round affair? All this just don't make much sense to me?!
Russians are Russians! Used to snow and cold, of which people in those places have no clue, much less any experience!?
They, bees, had worked different flowers even, and one can go on and on. . . .
What is there to test?
They know in Russia, for decades, that those bees can and do, coexist with varroa?! The Primorski region is from where the varroa has spread to Europe in the first place?
Now, to propagate such a bee, the way has been done, is like taking an Eskimo and let him loose in Texas and expect to watch him how he builds himself an igloo? And when that done - goes out and survive - to raise a family even????
Haven't you Americans learned nothing, prom the past mistakes? Do you enjoy that much - shooting yourself in the foot?
No, you still like to wander the globe, grab things that tickle your fancy, or you think can make you a buck. Bring it home and then work it to death - trying to make it your own!?
Take this bees to Alaska! Than do your tests and see for yourself, what those bees can do and what they can't?
The way it is being done now is IMO pointless to the point of being fullish...
No hard feelings?! Just my two cents. . . .
Regards,
Frank - Trot